RESULTS: Thirty-four percent (413/1209) were characterized as MHO subjects. The MHO stage was characterized by female sex, younger age, and lower neck and waist circumferences. The odds ratio of metabolic unhealthy was 1.12 (1.07-1.17, P < 0.001) and 1.02 (1.01-1.04, P < 0002) for every 1 cm increase in neck and waist circumferences, respectively, and 0.94 (0.91-0.97, P < 0.001) for every 1 U increase in BMI and 1.04 (1.03-1.05, P < 0.001) for every 1 year increase in age.

CONCLUSIONS: Among severely obese subjects, 34% were classified as having a metabolically healthy state, which was more likely to occur in females, younger individuals and was associated with a lower neck and waist circumferences, younger age, and higher BMI. Whether a group of MHO subjects will remain healthy lifelong is unknown.